A decade ago, a star was born in Bicutan and is now reinventing itself with more exciting upgrades.
Looking back, inside the confines of the Department of Science and Technology’s Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks or STARBOOKS came to exist. This star product of the institute actually gave a new lease in life to the existing science library; providing valuable resources and science and technology (S&T) information with just a click on the mouse.
Because of its novelty, STARBOOKS was labeled as the country’s first science “library-in-a-box.” It was an attempt to revitalize library experience by innovating science learning among students through curated digital resources on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that are easy to retrieve.
As history would have it, STARBOOKS will celebrate its 10th anniversary on 24 June 2021. This important occasion will serve as an appreciation day dedicated to recognizing its stakeholders and partners who have been key to the success of STARBOOKS through the years. Around 64 partners, including deployment officers from all regions, will be given recognition for their untiring efforts in promoting the program even to the remotest part of the country.
The celebration is dubbed as “STARBOOKS @10‘To”, a play on words that translated to English means “STARBOOKS is for everyone.” The event serves as a thanksgiving for the great effort to propagate the use of STARBOOKS as they can look back at its early beginnings and savor the milestones and recognitions attributed to this innovative learning tool.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña shared how the Science Department “strives to cut boundaries so we can reach those who need our services and assistance, alleviate poverty, and expand our local industries.”
In several occasions, the science chief has shared that this simple and unassuming innovation has narrowed down the playing field for the digital natives and digitally challenged through various STARBOOKS innovations that responded to the needs of its users.
Meanwhile, DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos elaborated that “(STARBOOKS) is not resting on its laurels as it has set its eyes on a grand vision to map out strategies for future integration of Artificial Intelligence and autonomous technologies into the STARBOOKS system.”
Currently, STARBOOKS can also be accessed through mobile applications, providing engaging mobile quiz experiences for students and science aficionados alike. This initiative that is attuned to the changing times still maintains the primary objective of STARBOOKS as a learning tool that is both fun and engaging.
As part of its continuing anniversary celebration, DOST-STII will unveil on 8 July 2021 the STARBOOKS Whiz, a gamified quiz mobile app for students with curious minds. Also, the public gets a sneak peek on the latest and redesigned STARBOOKS online portal with new features and a more mobile responsive interface.
Aside from these upgrades, there will be exciting prizes, giveaways, and freebies that await the lucky STARBOOKS users through its various online games and contests.
For more details, interested parties may visit the STARBOOKS website at www.starbooks.ph, Facebook page /StarbooksPH or email [email protected] or [email protected].
(By Joy M. Lazcano, DOST-STII)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/DOSTph/posts/4195346880487798
